The Union Cabinet has accepted the recommendations of a High-Level Committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind on the “One Nation, One Election” initiative.
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- The proposal calls for holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies in a phased manner.
- The simultaneous elections would be effected in two phases:
- First Phase: Lok Sabha and assembly elections will be aligned and in the
- Second Phase: It will be held within 100 days of the first, local body elections will be covered.
About Simultaneous Elections/One Nation One Election
- Meaning: Simultaneous elections refers to holding elections for the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies together, to ensure that the election cycle aligns across the country.
- Process: Elections for both Lok Sabha and state assemblies would occur on the same day or in a phased manner, every five years, allowing citizens to vote for both simultaneously.
- Historical Context of Simultaneous Elections:
- Initial Simultaneous Elections (1951-67): India held simultaneous elections in 1951-52, 1957, 1962, and 1967 for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
- Disruption: This synchronisation was disrupted due to political instability, including the rise of regional parties and frequent use of Article 356 (President’s Rule) in state assemblies.
- Countries where simultaneous elections are conducted : South Africa, Sweden , Germany, Britain.
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Required Constitutional Changes for Simultaneous Elections in India
- For holding simultaneous elections, the Kovind Committee had recommended 15 amendments to the Constitution of India to be carried out through two Constitution Amendment Bills.
- First Amendment Bill: The first Bill will deal with the transition to a simultaneous election system, and the procedure for fresh elections to Lok Sabha or a state Assembly before the term ends.
- Requires a special majority in both the houses of Parliament (Article 368).
- Second Amendment Bill: The second Bill will deal with municipal and panchayat elections, as well as the creation of a Single Electoral Roll by the Election Commission of India (ECI), with details of every voter and the seat for which they are eligible to vote.
- This requires a special majority and ratification by at least half of the states since “local government” falls under the State List.
- Amendments in Articles 83 and Article 172: The committee has proposed amendments to Article 83, which governs the term of the Lok Sabha, and Article 172, which covers the tenure of state assemblies.
- Constitutional Amendments: The Committee has suggested the introduction of Article 324A for simultaneous elections at the Panchayat and Municipal levels and amend Article 325 for a unified voter roll and photo ID card.
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Key Proposals of the Kovind Committee on Simultaneous Elections
- Appointed Date for Lok Sabha Sessions: After general elections, the President will notify the date for the Lok Sabha to convene, maintaining synchronisation.
- This notification will enact Article 82A (a new article introduced through the first Bill) to facilitate the transition to simultaneous elections.
- The proposed Article 82A states that all the state assemblies constituted in any general election held after the “appointed date” shall come to an end on the expiry of the full term of the Lok Sabha.
- Shortened Terms for New State Assemblies: New state assemblies formed post-synchronization will have shortened terms to align with the next general elections.
- Handling Hung Houses or No-Confidence Motions: In the event of a hung house or no-confidence motion, new elections will be held, but the new term will only last until the next scheduled general elections.
- Terms for New Lok Sabha and State Assemblies: Fresh elections will occur if there is a hung house or no-confidence motion.
- The new Lok Sabha will complete the remainder of the previous term, while state assemblies will continue until the Lok Sabha’s term ends, unless dissolved earlier.
- Unified Voter Roll and Identity Card System: Propose a unified voter roll and identity card system for all elections, requiring a constitutional amendment and ratification by the States.
- A unified electoral roll for all elections will be created by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in consultation with State Election Commissions under the new Article 325(2) of the Constitution.
Significance of ‘One Nation, One Election’
- Cost Efficiency: Simultaneous elections can significantly enhance cost efficiency by reducing election expenses for both the government and political parties.
Moral Code of Conduct (MCC)
- About: It is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to regulate political parties and candidates, ensuring free and fair elections as mandated by Article 324 of the Constitution.
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- Reduced Voter fatigue: Voter fatigue is a cause of voter abstention which results from the electorates of representative democracies being asked to vote often, on too many issues or without easy access to relevant information.
- Policy Continuity: Simultaneous elections can enhance policy continuity by minimising the influence of frequent election cycles, enabling governments to prioritise long-term planning and implementation over short-term political strategies.
- Model Code of Conduct (MCC) Impact: By reducing the number of election cycles, the MCC’s impact on governance can be minimised, allowing for more continuous and effective policy implementation.
- Reduced Black Money: Fewer elections can reduce the circulation of unaccounted money used in campaigns.
- Public Services: Prevents disruption in public services due to frequent deployment of government staff for election duties.
- National Unity: Promotes national over regional perspectives in the electoral process.
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- Article 85 of the Indian Constitution: Sessions of Parliament, Prorogation, and Dissolution
- The President summons Parliament, ensuring no more than six months between sessions.
- The President can prorogue either House and dissolve the Lok Sabha.
- Article 356 of the Indian Constitution: President’s Rule in States
- The President can assume control of a state’s executive if it is deemed that the state government cannot be run according to the Constitution, leading to central government control and suspension of the state legislature.
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Challenges of Implementing Simultaneous Elections
- Constitutional Amendments: Implementing One Nation One Election requires changes to several constitutional provisions like Article 85, Article 356, and others.
- It will lead to alteration of the Basic Structure of the Constitution. Eg. it will affect the Federal character of the Constitution.
- Logistical Challenges: Organizing elections simultaneously across the country presents significant logistical hurdles, such as coordinating security forces, organising Electronic Voting Machines (EVM’s) on a large scale.
- Against Federalism: It could weaken India’s federal structure, as state-specific issues might be overshadowed by national concerns.
- Simultaneous Elections have the tendency of moving the country towards a unitary state rather than a federal one that the Constitution envisages.
- Regional Issues may take backseat: The blending of national and regional issues in simultaneous elections could overshadow local concerns, shift priorities, and create an imbalance, potentially giving national parties an undue advantage over regional ones.
- Voting Behaviour: Evidence shows that voters often tend to vote for the same party for both State and Central governments when voters are required to cast their ballots for both the State and Central governments simultaneously, at the same polling booth, and on the same day.
- Feasibility: Concerns arise over the feasibility of conducting elections across all state governments if a coalition central government collapses.
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Way Forward
- Align Election Cycles: It is necessary to schedule legislative assembly elections to coincide with Lok Sabha elections for terms ending within six months to one year before or after, to create a synchronised electoral cycle.
- Ensure Free and Fair Elections: Strengthen the Election Commission’s regulatory role and monitoring capabilities to oversee poll expenditure and ensure the integrity of elections at all levels.
- Implement Electronic Voter ID Cards: Utilise IT-enabled tools like electronic voter ID cards to eliminate bogus entries from electoral rolls, improving the accuracy and integrity of voter registration.
- Consider State Funding of Elections: There is a need to explore the state funding options to reduce the influence of money in politics and create a more level playing field for all candidates.
September 19, 2024
